Dangerous Goods Class 8: Corrosive Materials

Categorized in the Dangerous Goods Class 8 is the corrosive materials with no subdivisions like the other classes. These substances are capable of causing acute injuries once exposed to living tissue like skin or organs. They can also corrode any other materials like aluminum and steel in case of leakage, which in turn hinders the means of transport. Read more to find out what goods belong in this class and general shipping rules applicable to them.

Goods in Hazard Class 8

These are the goods belong in Class 8:

• Photographic processing chemicals used to develop films
• Dyes
• Wet cell batteries
• Strong acid solutions
• Strong bases (Arrhenius bases)

With the information above in mind, these are the commonly transported corrosive materials in Class 8:

1. Fuel cell cartridges
2. Sludge acid
3. Nitric acid
4. Sulfuric acid
5. Phenol/carbolic acid
6. Hydrochloric acid
7. Hydrofluoric acid
8. Fire extinguisher charges
9. Formaldehyde
10. Flux
11. Paints
12. Alkylphenols
13. Sulfides
14. Polysulphides
15. Chlorides
16. Chlorosilanes
17. Bromine
18. Amines
19. Cyclohexylamine
20. Polyamines
21. Hydrogen fluoride
22. Morpholine
23. Iodine

Corrosive Materials Storage Requirements

Storing and handling corrosive materials in Class 8 is outlined in AS 3780—2008 – The storage and handling of corrosive substances, which is available for download for free on the Internet. Some we already sum up here include:

·       Separate corrosive substances from contradictory chemicals

Many other substances don’t work well with materials in Class 8 and can lead to harsh chemical reactions or fires when placed together. Even some in Class 8 can’t also be put into the same mix! Have them sit at least 5 meters apart or store them in segregated chemical storage containers with their own spill containment system.

·       Separate corrosive substances from protected places

Protected places refer to places like shops, warehouses, offices, workshops, factories, and any other buildings often visited by people every day. Considering their harsh nature that can harm people, animals, and properties, the AS 3780 has lined up minimum separation distances to ensure you save your substances safely.

·       Prepare eyewash stations and emergency showers nearby

We can’t overlook accidents. Having eyewash stations and emergency showers within 10 meters will be the first assistance whenever someone gets hurt from the corrosive substances.

Corrosive Materials Packaging Rules

The United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) has ruled out the inner or single packaging and labeling standard of hazardous chemicals. There are three packing groups based on the degree of hazard in transport:

• Packing Group I: Highly dangerous substances and preparations
• Packing Group II: Moderately dangerous substances and preparations
• Packing Group III: Minorly dangerous substances and preparations

Corrosive Materials Shipping Rules

Always refer to the US DOT Hazmat tables for detailed instructions on shipping the corrosive materials in Class 8. Generally, these substances aren’t mailable via international mail. You or your employees who handle the shipping procedures should also be equipped with proper response procedures in case of leakage and emergency.

Materials like vermiculite can control moisture and absorb shock when used to fill the void in the package, while jerricans and pails can protect the goods during transit. Remember that labeling is also super important!